Abstract: A wear assembly with strain relief protects exposed surfaces of excavating equipment such as a bucket lip. Wear components may include a seat where loads are applied, welding flanges flanking the seat on opposite ends of the component welded to the equipment, and strain relief areas between each welding flange and the seat. The strain relief balances stresses from loading in the wear assembly across the weld flange to limit cracking from stress concentrations. Strain relief may include modification of material properties or modification of component configuration to reduce stiffness of the component between the weld flanges and the seat.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and a plurality of shanks mounted to the framework and configured to engage the soil. A tillage point is mounted on each shank. Each shank tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.

Abstract: A ground engaging furrowing tool for paired row seeding comprising a body having a forward leading point, a bottom and laterally outwardly extending wing members. Each wing member including a leading edge that flares rearward to a trailing edge to form a generally V-shaped profile bottom surface, the trailing edge of each wing member including a seed outlet only open in a rearward direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: A tillage sweep includes an elongated nose portion having forward cutting edges which are straight and diverge at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from a leading point. The top of the nose viewed from the side is straight and angles upwardly at an angle of approximately eleven degrees from the planar bottom surface to juncture with a stem or connecting portion which forms an angle of about 46 degrees with the plane of the bottom surface. The sweep includes outer wing portions with the cutting edges which are straight and which diverge at an angle of approximately 67 degrees thereby forming an angle of about 11 degrees with the respective forward cutting edges. The overall length of the sweep is greater than the width.

Abstract: A ground engaging tip for a seed boot attachment for depositing a seed within a furrow. The tip including a conical shape member formed of three generally planar shape side surfaces wherein two of the side surfaces meet to form an inclined leading edge extending from a tip of the conical shape member; and at least one wear resistant insert. The insert is secured to the leading edge of the ground engaging tip and includes a generally elongated bar having a leading end, a trailing end and three connecting side surfaces, a first side, second side and third side. The first, second and third side surfaces form a bar having a generally triangular cross-section, wherein the leading end of the bar is angled.

Abstract: A tillage tooth for use in an implement which performs shallow tillage with tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points include wings mounted to either side of a central tooth. The wings are constructed and arranged to provide a greater rise to lift soil adjacent their inner edges than is provided by the outer edges of the wings. This imparts a lifting and lateral rolling motion to tilled soil and enhances a smooth finish.

Abstract: A hilling spade according to the present invention has a pair of moldboards or wings defining a plowing angle having a pointed forward end. Each wing has a central planar surface, a cutting edge, and a lower curved surface between the cutting edge and the central planar surface. The lower curved surface has a curvature oriented vertically inwardly relative to the plowing angle. Each wing also has an upper curved surface having a curvature oriented vertically outwardly relative to the plowing angle. When the hilling spade is used for hilling ridges along rows of plants, the lower curved surfaces are usable for lapping lower portions of the ridges for compacting the lower portions and for reducing erosion of these ridges. The upper curved surfaces are usable for pushing soil over the ridges and under the foliage of the plants on those ridges without damaging the foliage.

Abstract: A blade includes at least one blade body attached to a chassis to be hitched to a tractor vehicle. The blade includes at least one part which is laterally inclined in relation to a vertical plane parallel to the tractor vehicle's line of advancement. This inclined part includes a heel at a positive angle to the ground. The heel is equipped with a wear plate having at least one tip that is laterally displaced in relation to the front edge of the inclined part of the blade body and in relation to the front edge of the heel.

Abstract: A multipurpose work-saving and ergonomically designed gardening tool useful for transplanting seedlings and other gardening tasks. A creased metal blade has a faceted cutting edge with straight sides. A cylindrical handle supports the flat end of the blade with fasteners.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep includes a body with a forward point and wings diverging outwardly in the rearward direction. In one embodiment, a row side sweep includes a row side wing angled upwardly from the horizontal at an angle of approximately 27 degrees, and the opposite wing is angled downwardly, to closely match the profile of the ground from the row bed to the row middle. In another embodiment of the invention, a wide sweep extends between the beds of adjacent rows and includes wings with outermost portions bent upwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal to provide a sweep profile which closely approximates the ground profile between the rows for more uniform depth of penetration, less soil throw and crop root damage, and reduced draft.

Abstract: A long wearing deep tillage sweep includes a central point member having a leading tip and attached to a shank at an angle to the horizontal of approximately 30 degrees. A pair of wings having the shape of a parallelogram are fixed to the lower, forward portion of the point with the sides of the wings parallel to the forward direction of travel and with the leading and trailing edges extending outwardly from the member and parallel to the surface of the ground when the shank is in the normal field-working position. The top surface of the wings has a shallower angle than the point surface, which, together with the horizontal leading and trailing wing edges, reduces soil disturbance. The wings are closely adjacent the tip of the point member so that the angle of the resultant force on the sweep closely approximates that of a straight point alone and the depth of tillage is more consistent than tools having wings offset a greater distance from the leading tip.

Abstract: A row cleaner comprising a pair of ground engageable finger wheels which are angled with respect to each other so they converge forwardly toward the center of their normal path of travel. Each of the finger wheels includes a central disc-shaped portion having a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated fingers extending from the circumference thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the fingers is disposed at an angle with respect to a radius extending from the center of the disc-shaped portion to the outer end of the finger.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure or frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: The subsoiler has shank assemblies which are designed to cut a thin, clean slice in the soil without frontal upheaval forces that would cause eruption of the soil in a turbulent manner ahead of the shank line. The soil lifting components at the bottom of the shank are configured to produce generally laminar soil flow over and around their lifting surfaces so that the upwardly and outwardly directed fracturing forces occur behind the leading shank line in a readily controllable manner and without disturbing residue and other materials on top of the ground. The subsoiling profile at the bottom of the shank may be varied by interchanging variously configured points and caps which are securely but removably secured to the shank. An alternate embodiment provides adjustment of the profile presented to the soil by having a portion of the component angularly vertically adjustable to vary the angle of attack of its lifting surfaces.

Abstract: A blade construction for a cultivator blade or a cultivator sweep, wherein the blade is adapted to sever plants from the ground by digging up the roots, to permit collection of the plants and subsequent separation of the fruit contained thereon. The blade includes first and second elongated body portions that have respective upper surfaces that are disposed relative to each other to define an obtuse included angle. The forward body portion includes a cutting edge that extends longitudinally of the blade, the cutting edge defined by the intersection of the upper planar surface of the first body portion with a longitudinally-extending grinding surface that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the forward upper planar surface. The obtuse included angle between the first and second body portions can range from about 150.degree. to about 170.degree., and the acute angle at the grinding surface can range from about 25.degree. to about 35.degree..

Abstract: A self-sharpening pyramidal shaped insert of a refractory hard metal for use as a leading penetrating element of a soil opener member of an agricultural tool. The insert includes a boss member of a generally frustoconical shape including a circular bottom and outwardly curved side surface extending upwardly from the circular bottom and terminating in a flange, and a penetrating tip having four nonparallel triangular sides, each triangular side having a common leg with a bordering triangular side and a third leg contiguous the flange. The triangular sides converge to a common vertex. The insert inhibits wear of the agricultural tool and contributes to proper soil flow as the agricultural tool cuts a slice in the soil.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: A harrowing device for harrowing a ground surface includes a haulable frame. A plurality of blade holders are secured to the frame, and extend downward from the frame. The blade holder has a cavity, a pair of holes, a pair of inclined interior face in the cavity. The inclined interior faces are arranged so as to become close to each other the further away from the holes. A plurality of blades are fitted to the blade holder, each blade having a shank inserted into the cavity and a blade portion for harrowing the ground. The shank has a pair of holes corresponding to the holes of the blade holder, and a protrusion for contacting the inclined interior faces. A pin is inserted into the holes of the blade holder and the shank to pivotably support the blade.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep or shovel includes a rigid generally arrowhead shaped body having a central mounting flange enabling attachment to a support shank or tine. The sweep has rearwardly diverging primary cutting edges and one or more outwardly and forwardly projecting weed cutting points formed along the primary cutting edges to capture and sever weeds in the path of the sweep so as to prevent weeds from slipping past the sweep.

Abstract: A bentleg plow apparatus has a forward direction and includes a mounting frame, an upper blade-like portion secured to the frame and extending generally downwardly, a first lower blade-like portion connected to the upper portion and extending downwardly and laterally to one side, a second lower blade-like portion connected to the upper portion and extending downwardly and laterally to the other side. Each lower portion has a rake angle with respect to the forward direction, the rake angle being defined, when the plow apparatus is moving horizontally on a horizontal terrain, as the angle made to the horizontal by the intersection of the respective lower portion with a vertical plane parallel to said forward direction, the rake angle being such that the lower portions tend to penetrate further into soil being plowed as the plow apparatus is moved in forward direction.

Abstract: The convex upper surface of the generally triangular sweep has oppositely inclined, lateral faces that diverge from the forwardmost point of the sweep and serve to loosen and lift the soil while the outer cutting edges sever subsurface roots of weeds and other above-ground growth. Rigid, rearwardly extending flaps at the rear extremity of the sweep are disposed at such a strategic angle that although they rigidify the trailing section of the sweep and reduce wear which might otherwise occur at outer rear corners of the sweep, they avoid untoward turning and rolling of the loosened soil and severed plant materials so that moisture-retaining trash and plant residue is left intact on the ground surface.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has soil working members journalled in a hollow frame portion. Each member includes a harrow with supports and downwardly extending strips attached to the supports. The lower strip ends each mount a curved blade that is pointed in the direction of member rotation. Drive to the members is a power take off via a speed reduction gear assembly in a box supported on the frame portion. The assembly can include different sized pinions or a sun-planet gear arrangement. Each member has a respective pinion that is housed in the frame portion and in one arrangement, the gear and shaft of each member are journalled with a bearing housing which are bolted as a unit for easy and fast replacement. Neighboring member pinions have intermediate pinions interposed and journalled within the frame portion. The frame is supported on ground wheels at the sides and in front of the frame portion.

Abstract: An improved excavating bucket having special excavating teeth thereon for use with a backhoe type digging machine. The teeth are affixed in spaced relation to a leading edge of the bucket, with there being a central and a lowermost tooth; opposed, intermediate digging teeth; and, opposed outermost digging teeth.The intermediate teeth are located rearwardly and below the outermost teeth, and forwardly and above the central tooth. The interior of the bucket is of a special configuration which enhances the dumping of excavated material therefrom.

Abstract: A basic land leveller has the side plates and moldboard carriers. Angle irons are welded to the top of the carriers to form the moldboard carriers into a rigid structure and to form a guide for the wheel booms extending behind the leveller and a tongue extending in front of the leveller. The equipment is shipped with the wheel booms and tongue aligned with the moldboard carriers and the buyer bolts the booms into the boom guides and the tongue into the tongue guides.The moldboards are formed of a plate broken three times to form three panels with a blade bolted to the bottom panel.

Abstract: A plow sweep is provided including a shovel body defining a central front to rear extending axis and having a pair of first and second rearwardly divergent blade arms disposed on opposite sides of the central axis and joined at their forward ends along the axis to define a forward apex of the sweep. The arms are transversely rearwardly and upwardly inclined and the rear portion of the apex includes an integral upwardly directed mounting shank portion. The rear end of at least one of the arms terminates in an oppositely forwardly angulated blade-type wing arm. The forward edges of the arms are sharpened and the latter are also transversely rearwardly and upwardly inclined.

Abstract: A cultivator or rotary harrow has rotatable soil working members with tines that are driven to rotate about upwardly extending axes. Each tine has a fastening portion that is secured to a support, and a lower soil working portion. In one embodiment, the center lines of the two portions substantially coincide. Alternatively, the lower part of the soil working portion can be an offset straight part that extends outwardly or the lower part can be curved outwardly with respect to the remainder of the soil working portion. The opposite sides of the lower part of the soil working portion gradually flattens and broadens towards the lowermost tip.

Abstract: A knife for applying substances such as fertilizer in solid, liquid or gaseous form cuts a slice in the subsoil with its leading, rearwardly inclined cutting edge and simultaneously firms up and maintains the lower portions of the sides of the slice in readiness for receiving the substance in a pocket formed by a recess at the lowermost rear of the knife in conjunction with the firmed up portions. The slice taken by the slender knife is of such narrowness and the movement of the knife through the subsoil is of such a streamlined nature that the cohesive integrity and inherent resiliency of the subsoil is not destroyed, promoting self-closure of the slice behind the knife, thus greatly reducing the escape of the substance where it is a gas.

Abstract: A rotary harrow has soil working members, each of which includes a tine mounting wherein a horizontal support has a holder with a tine at one end, or both ends. Near the top of the fastening portion are one or two recess stops that are engaged by tightening elements to urge the fastening portion in tight engagement within an internal bore of the holder so that tension or compression is exerted on the interfit between bore and fastening portion. The fastening portion can taper upwardly and the bore is shaped with surfaces that conform to the taper of that portion. The tightening elements can be a nut and bolt combination, an externally threaded member or a pivoted cam that is turned with a tool. The fastening portion can have a region of reduced diameter so that it bears on two spaced apart areas of the bore.Additionally, the fastening portion can include a substantially U-shaped recess, which can be engaged by one of the nut and bolt combination or the externally threaded member.

Abstract: A rotary harrow has a plurality of soil working members each of which has a support and a central shaft that forms the axis of rotation of said member. Each support has a holder at each end thereof and a downwardly extending tine secured in each holder. The holder is preferably inclined so that its top is located further from the central shaft than its bottom and also leads in the direction of normal rotation relative to the holder bottom. The holders are sleeves with integral screens and the sleeves receive the fastening portions of tines. The holders together with the support form tine mountings configured to minimize damage from stones and other debris. The tine fastening portions are held inclined to the vertical as well as soil working portions which are bent first towards one another then away, so that the lower tine tips are located further from the shaft axis than are the corresponding fastening portions.

Abstract: An undercutting knife for a sod cutting machine. The knife has an undercutting blade having a front portion and an upwardly bent rear portion. Connected to the rear portion are two support and guide members, one at each edge of the blade. Each support and guide member extends rearwardly from the blade and has a rear portion projecting laterally of the blade. Mounting arms are connected to the laterally extending portions. The mounting arms, which are connected to mechanism for supporting and reciprocating the knife, are clear of the ground and are spaced laterally of cut sod moving over the knife, so as not to tear the edges of the sod. A guide strip extends rearwardly from the blade between the support and guide members. The support and guide members and the guide strip can be three discrete members or a single integral unit.

Abstract: A tine mounting and tine both comprise a rotatable soil working member for a harrow designed to resist damage from stones and other debris on or in the soil. The mounting has an upper shaft that defines an axis of rotation and a holder with a bore that extends at an angle to intersect that axis. The fastening portion of a tine extends through the bore and has a threaded end that receives a retaining nut protected by a screening recess in the mounting. The tine has a lower soil working portion that joins the fastening portion adjacent the bottom of the holder and the junction is thickened with a polygonal cross section having recesses in its sides. The soil working portion has an upper part that extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the fastening portion and the upper part is connected to a lower part by an integral bend. The lower part extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the soil working member.

Abstract: A replaceable tool for attachment to the periphery of an agricultural disc is formed of an inverted U-shaped investment casting which can be fitted over the marginal edge portion of the disc to present parallel leading and trailing faces connecting side surfaces which converge outwardly of the disc, being inclined at different angles relative to the plane of the disc so as to present on one side of said disc a side surface providing clearance for the disc on that side of the disc and the other side surface being at a greater angle which reduces the areas of the end faces of the tool to reduce resistance to passage of the tool through the ground.